Kansas Basketball: The most intriguing Big 12 matchups for the Jayhawks
The Big 12 released the schedule for the 2019-20 season yesterday. What are the most interesting matchups from the Jayhawks next basketball season?
For the first time in over a decade, Kansas basketball won’t go into a basketball season as the defending champions of the Big 12. It’s an odd feeling for the conference that’s known nothing but Jayhawk domination for the past 14 years. Despite the let down last year, the Jayhawks have an absolutely stacked lineup that’s capable of more than just a Big 12 season title.
Still, it’s important not to look too deep into the future. So with the release of the conference schedule, what are the marquee matchups this year for Kansas basketball?
1. Kansas vs. West Virginia: January 4, 7:00 PM on ESPN+
The first big game for the Jayhawks will be their conference opener against West Virginia. The Mountaineers stole a game from Kansas last season in Morgantown by one point. West Virginia was in a down year last season and it’s not looking much better this season. However, this is the conference opener and it’s at home on a Saturday night. The atmosphere should be classic Allen Fieldhouse and the game will set the tone for the rest of the Jayhawks’ Big 12 games.
2. Kansas vs. Kansas State: January 21, 6:00 PM on ESPN
Kansas split their conference games last season with co-Big 12 champion Kansas State, but the Wildcats lost a lot of skill from their squad last season. Without Barry Brown, Dean Wade, and Kamau Stokes, K-State will not be nearly as talented as last year. Nevertheless, the rivalry is still there, and this game promises to be one of the most highly anticipated in the state of Kansas; the 6:00 time slot on ESPN doesn’t hurt either.
3. Kansas vs. Texas Tech: February 1, 5:00 PM on ESPN
Similar to Kansas State, the Jayhawks also split last season with co-Big 12 champion and national runner-up Texas Tech. While the Red Raiders lost some talent from last season (i.e. Jarrett Culver), Texas Tech is still one of the top teams in the Big 12. This game should be a classic Saturday night battle in Allen Fieldhouse that will probably have ramifications on who will wear the Big 12 crown after this season.
4. Kansas @ Baylor: February 22, 11:00 AM on ESPN
One of the Jayhawks’ major conference road games will be against the Baylor Bears. Last season, Kansas swept the Bears; however, the Jayhawks struggled on the road all season long. Baylor is looking like one of the better teams in the conference this season, so picking up a road win here could be doubly important for the Jayhawks.
5. Kansas @ Texas Tech: March 7, 1:00 PM on ESPN
Once again, Texas Tech and Kansas are looking like the two front-runners in the Big 12 this season. This will be the final game of the Big 12 season for these teams and it could very well determine the winner of the conference. Also, gaining momentum heading into the Big 12 tournament is an important factor that could be achieved by the winner of the game.
Related Story. Classic Jayhawks: Keith Langford had an electric career with Kansas basketball. light
Kansas basketball has a chance to be special this year, but once again, looking too far into the future isn’t a good thing. Fixing problems from last season like the inability to win on the road will be huge in the Jayhawks regaining their status as Big 12 champions.